A method used in dimensional analysis that expresses a functional relationship for the variables involved in an observable phenomenon. It involves expressing all the independent variables that influence a dependent variable in the form:
where f is a dimensionless constant. Grouping the exponents, x, y, z …n, in their fundamental units and solving the set of equations simultaneously leads to the formation of dimensionless groups by grouping the variables with each exponent. The number of dimensionless groups formed is equal to the fundamental units subtracted from the total number of variables. It is named after Lord Rayleigh (1842–1919).